The Fostering Network: Introduction to fostering

We have produced a list of key resources on this topic.

Here are some resources to help you decide if fostering is for you.

See also our Thinking of fostering? section which contains answers to some frequently asked questions. In addition our Foster Care Fortnight website contains a wealth of information about becoming a foster carer and includes the stories of the Faces of Foster Care, 27 foster carers with very different experiences of being foster carers.

Your next step is then to talk to your local fostering service. Use our Find a fostering service database to get their contact details.

See also our list of family finding services in the recommended reading section.

Useful links

Publications and resources from the Fostering Network

All About Fostering: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2004; A comprehensive full colour introduction to fostering.; Code: 1091; Price: £5 members, £10 non-members; Full details…
Choosing a fostering service: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2006; Information sheet for prospective carers about how to choose a fostering provider.; Price: Free; Full details…
Could You Foster?: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2007; This leaflet goes into more depth than What is fostering? with regards to what is involved in becoming a foster carer and the skills that are needed.; Code: 1015; Price: £9 members, £18 non-members (pack of 10); Full details…
Faces of Foster Care: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2007; Foster carers talk about what attracted them to fostering and how it has changed their lives.; Code: 5161; Price: £40 (+VAT) members, £80 (+VAT) non-members; Full details…
Fostering a Child Under Five: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2007; An introductory guide to some of the issues that may arise when caring for a young child.; Code: 1010; Price: £9 members, £18 non-members (pack of 10); Full details…
Fostering a Teenager: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2007; Covering what may be involved in fostering a teenager, this leaflet addresses some of the issue facing young people in care.; Code: 1012; Price: £9 members, £18 non-members (pack of 10); Full details…
The Fostering Team: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2007; This leaflet idenitifies some of the key personnel involved in foster care, and explains the role of the child's social worker, supervising social workers and the child or young person's parents.; Code: 1014; Price: £9 members, £18 non-members (pack of 10); Full details…
What Is Fostering?: Publisher: The Fostering Network; Date: 2007; A clear introduction for those who are thinking about fostering.; Code: 1013; Price: £9.00 members, £18 non-members; Full details…